Point of View

Emezi’s novel is written from a third-person limited perspective, continually portraying the main character Feyi’s point of view. This choice allows the reader to experience Feyi’s observations of physical detail, memories, dreams, and feelings at close range, making it easy to empathize with her. The reader’s access to her perspective is significant because the story of the novel, when viewed at a greater distance, is one that may not immediately invite sympathy for Feyi. As she is a young woman who becomes involved with Alim, the wealthy, celebrity father of a man her own age who is romantically interested in her, the narration might provoke negative assumptions about her if further detached from her character.

As it stands, the close perspective gives the reader access to Feyi’s most difficult moments. This evokes sympathy for her, and also invites reflection on...